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Rainbow Vandalism

by douglas reeser on 2.10.11

I just came across this video showing a guy who creates a self-powered machine that can create huge 10 meter high rainbows on the side of a building in seconds (check it out below). Most people would call this vandalism - especially the property owner and the law. But many people would say it is something more - art at the least, and perhaps some kind of social message. I find this interesting, as I have recently watched the Banksy movie, Exit Through the Giftshop, and have a renewed appreciation for street art (despite the capitalist victory that the film portrays).

Street art can send a powerful message to people. One need not look further than the many many images of the protests in Egypt. First we see the people, but after the crowds, the messages come through. The messages are street art - from spray painted slogans, to bodies covered in slogans in marker, to banners flying across the streets. Street art comes in many forms, and I might argue that, in the end, street art should make you pause.... and think.... and question the world around you. Street art in Egypt is urgent and vital to the movement, but street art in places like Tampa, Florida, or Tucson, Arizona have a more subtle tone. In the U.S. and most other countries, social movements are more muted, and less urgent (not to say that they are not needed!). Thus the messages of street art must connect with people on a different level. I'm not sure what that level is, but I think that Rainbow Vandalism is on to something.